mimosine

noun

mi·​mo·​sine

mə̇ˈmōˌsēn,

mīˈ-,

-ōsə̇n

plural -s

: a crystalline amino acid C₅H₃NO(OH)CH₂CH(NH₂)COOH that is a derivative of alanine and a hydroxy pyridone and is found especially in the common sensitive plant and the lead tree

Word History

Etymology

German mimosin, from New Latin Mimosa + German -in -ine

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